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The Whitsundays comprises 74 beautiful islands that lie cradled in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef stretching from the coast off Mackay to Townsville in North Queensland. With lush tropical foliage, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, they rightfully take their place as one of Australia 's top tourist destinations.

The main on shore base for the Whitsundays is Airlie Beach.
The Whitsundays are an attraction in their own right and a trip there is all about experiencing this pristine collection of islands.

A Whitsundays sailing trip is one of the best ways to really appreciate the clear blue skies and turquoise waters of this region. You can go out on a day tour, or spend a week cruising around the islands. Check here to find some great value sailing trips that will suit all budgets.

There are two airports in the Whisundays (Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine), offering domestic flights to major Australian airports.

There is a twice-weekly rail service from Cairns and Brisbane to Proserpine and a daily Greyhound service that operates from Brisbane and Cairns to Airlie Beach.Many of the larger resorts will offer island transfers from the mainland and there is also a ferry service that operates to most resorts. There are some truly spectacular resorts dotted amongst the Whitsundays and it has long been a destination for honeymooners. However, it also makes a great family getaway and there is accommodation to suit everyone. If you are taking a boat tour then you will have the opportunity to sleep on board, or perhaps out under the stars on deck.

If you fancy getting a real overview of the islands, helicopter or light aircraft tours can be arranged. Individual resorts will also offer an array of activities so check out the details before you book if there is something specific you'd like to do. Watersports, golf, walking, fine dining - it's all there to be enjoyed.

Whitsunday Tours

The Great Walk is a 30km trail through some of the most diverse and breathtaking tropical rainforest the Whitsunday region has to offer. Starting at either Airlie Beach or Brandy Creek, the walk ideally takes around three days to complete, although some people prefer to walk the whole thing in one day! There are also shorter walks available off the main trail. Two main campsites provide toilet and water facilities, although you are welcome to stop at the smaller bush campsites along the way.

Whitehaven Beach offers everything you dream about in a tropical paradise and one of the most popular Whitsundays tours – crystal clear waters lapping up onto stark white sands as far as the eye can see. It is easy to see why this stretch of beach has won so much national and international praise! After visiting the beach make sure you take a walk up Tongue Point – from here you get fantastic views of the colourful sands of Whitehaven as they swirl with the tides in the clear waters.

Hamilton Island combines the innate beauty of the Whitsundays with all the relaxing activities you can imagine including golf, water sports, day spas and adventure tourism. In addition, the island plays host to major events like Audi Hamilton Island Race Week – a major sailing regatta that draws in yachts from around the world, and the Great Barrier Feast Food and Wine Series.

The best way to experience the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays is by sailing amongst them. With vessels and itineraries for every taste and budget, you are sure to find a cruise that suits you. From high speed catamarans to sailing ships, party boats to romantic charters, day trips to overnight stays, sailing the Whitsundays is something you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy the beauty of the Whitsundays from a bird’s eye view as passenger on a Tiger Moth bi-plane. Choose from a scenic flight over the beaches and islands or head inland lakes and rainforests. Scenic flights a bit tame? Add in some aerobatics! Hold onto your goggles as your pilot takes you upside down, and through loops, rolls and spins!

Take a break from the beaches and reefs and head on inland through the estuaries and mudflats to the Proserpine River. Here you will come face to face with the intimidating saltwater crocs on the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari, navigated by your guide through the calm waters in their specially constructed vessel. Watch out for other native wildlife as the area is home to an abundance of birdlife and the famous Queensland mud crab. Round out your journey with an authentic Aussie barbie or some freshly made bush tucker.